FAMILY TRAVEL: VEHICLES WITH THE KNOW-HOW

While family travel is one of the things we love most, it does come with its challenges. From tired kids not wanting to remain seated in their car seats and toddlers tipping their snack boxes over onto their seats, to baby formula spilling all over the car’s carpets, or heaven forbid, someone forgets a nappy in the back… It’s chaos most of the time, but memories made to last. Luckily, there are vehicle manufacturers who know that the struggle of travelling with kids is real and some have even come close to perfecting the ideal family car.

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Supplied

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

We recently took a drive to Dullstroom with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and well, now we understand why Chery became a top ten vehicle brand in South Africa so rapidly. Chery is China’s most successful car exporter and has held this position for the past 35 years. Evidently, it’s also their aim to stay at the top, especially following the success of its Tiggo Pro range.

Chery claims to have a customer-first approach of offering exciting vehicles at affordable prices to South African customers.

JayJay Botes, National Sales Manager for Chery says: “Our customer-centric focus is the reason our dealer footprint now spans every province in South Africa. We currently have 76 appointed dealers to better support our growing customer base and to improve accessibility to this amazing brand.”

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro accommodates a family of four rather easily and comes with various features fit for families with kids of any age. The latest model to join the South African lineup is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro MAX, though. It is fitted with a 187 kW 2-litre petrol turbo engine and offers an unmatched list of specifications. That includes six airbags, a full array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that include adaptive cruise control, and a luxury interior with multi-zone climate control, leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.

The 8 Pro MAX and the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro are both lovely family vehicles that put the passenger first.

Nissan Qashqai

The all-new Nissan Qashqai was announced as a finalist for the South African Car of the Year Awards in the Compact Family category earlier this year. This same category was won by its predecessor in 2019.

The Nissan Qashqai has remained an industry benchmark, having pioneered the crossover segment. It’s been a bestseller and leading award winner for the brand globally since its introduction into the market more than ten years ago and now, the third generation Qashqai has also been very well received. It received a Five Star EURO NCAP Rating and also won the Car of the Year in the United Kingdom.

The revamped Qashqai comes with Nissan’s Autonomous Driving Level 1 (Nissan ProPILOT), Predictive Front Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist among various other innovations and awardwinning safety technologies.

It’s the ideal compact family car, with the best in design and comfort, while keeping your family safe on the road.

Q @nissansa

IN ADDITION, THE NISSAN XTRAIL IS ANOTHER FITTING FAMILY VEHICLE – ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE LONG ROAD TRIPS.

KEY FEATURES

INCLUDE:

• A muscular and modern design with advanced technology.

• An effortless EVdrive feeling with e-POWER.

• Confidence and control from innovative twinmotor e-4ORCE allwheel drive system.

• It’s the only sevenseat electrified SUV in its segment.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE FAMILY CAR FEATURES?

We would love to hear what you think should be included in the ideal family vehicle. Send an email to our editor with your top five family car features on renate@hellolifestyle.co.za.

Kia Carnival

Named AutoGuide’s 2022 Family Vehicle of the Year, it’s no surprise that the KIA Carnival is a popular choice for families who enjoy travelling together. It comes with a massive interior and rather impressive design, setting it apart from its competitors.

Its impressive interior capacity must be its main selling point, though. That, and its extensive safety features and modern design.

Kyle Patrick from AutoGuide writes: “It’s not just the cool, crossover-adjacent styling. Nor is it those first-class middle-row seats.

The Carnival is such an impressive package because it blends that together with a smooth driving demeanour and lots of standard safety equipment. That it rings in as one of the most affordable in its segment solidifies it as the vehicle of choice for families.”

Q @kiasouthafrica